Belgium Becomes First Country to Grant Full Employment Rights to Sex Workers

Landmark Law Ensures Legal Recognition, Workplace Protections, and Benefits

Belgium has made history by becoming the first country in the world to grant sex workers full employment rights, ensuring they are entitled to the same benefits and protections as other workers. The landmark law, passed on Sunday, provides sex workers with access to maternity leave, pension contributions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.

A Milestone for Equality

The decision follows years of advocacy by sex workers and organizations, amplified by the lack of state support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many in the industry vulnerable.

“This is a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers,” the Belgian Union of Sex Workers said in a statement.

Sophie, a sex worker in Belgium, shared her thoughts with the BBC, calling the law “an opportunity for us to exist as people.”

Key Provisions of the Law

The new legislation goes beyond providing traditional employee benefits, introducing robust workplace protections:

• Autonomy Over Work: Sex workers are guaranteed the right to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or terminate an act at any time.
• Employer Requirements: Employers must meet strict standards, including operating from a registered Belgian business address, maintaining a clean legal record, and providing safe working environments equipped with panic buttons, clean linen, showers, and condoms.

Historic Recognition and Protection

This move places Belgium at the forefront of global efforts to grant sex workers legal recognition and workplace safety. The law addresses the exploitation and marginalization that have historically defined the industry, ensuring sex workers are no longer excluded from labor rights and state protections.

Global Significance

While other countries have decriminalized or legalized aspects of sex work, Belgium’s comprehensive approach to equating sex workers with other professions sets a global precedent.

The law not only empowers workers with economic security and dignity but also challenges long-standing societal stigmas. By embedding protections into the legal framework, Belgium is paving the way for broader discussions on the rights and recognition of sex workers worldwide.

The passing of this legislation reflects a growing awareness of the need to prioritize human rights and workplace safety across all sectors, setting a transformative example for other nations.